The 27-year-old Boquete played for Tyresö FF during the 2013 Swedish Damallsvenskan season, scoring six goals over 18 games. In 2012, Boquete was named Damallsvenskan midfielder of the year after recording seven goals and eight assists for Tyresö and helping her squad win the league championship.

Boquete is the captain of Spain’s women’s national team and has registered more than 30 international caps since her senior national team debut in 2005.

The Spanish midfielder also played under Thorns coach Paul Riley as a member of the Philadelphia Independence of the Women’s Professional Soccer League (WPS). In 2011, she scored five goals and recorded four assists over 13 games for Philadelphia and was named WPS player of the year.

“We are delighted to bring one of the world’s top talents to Portland," said Riley, in a prepared statement. "Verónica is a fantastic footballer with an extremely high soccer IQ, tremendous work ethic and has the ability to break down any opposing defense. Having worked with her before, I know she can be a major influence in retaining the NWSL championship. Her personality and love of football is infectious and I'm excited to get her here and add her pedigree to our talented roster.”

It was immediately rumored that Boquete was the unnamed player because of her past connections with Riley and Riley's desire to bring another international player to Portland.

Huffman appeared in 14 games for Western New York in 2013 and started both of the squad's playoff games.

“Verónica and Sarah will both provide the club with additional leadership and experience,” said Thorns general manager Gavin Wilkinson, in a prepared statement. “Verónica has proved to be an impact player at every level for many years, while Sarah has been a consistently strong presence on all of the teams that she has played for during her career. We feel that both of these players will be valuable additions to Thorns FC.”

Williamson started all 22 regular season matches for the Thorns in 2013, while Wetzel recorded one goal and one assist in 16 appearances for the Thorns.

“I would like to thank Kat and Courtney for their professionalism and commitment to the Portland Thorns," Riley said. "They played major roles in bringing the first ever NWSL Championship to Portland. Their preparation for the new season was first class and Western New York will benefit substantially from their first-class attitude and competitive nature. We wish them all the best and continued success at the highest level.”